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Norfolk & Region

Norfolk General makes Christmas appeal

Norfolk General Hospital communication specialist Gerry Hamill and NGH Foundation director of development Jennifer White hang the first ornaments on the facility's Tree of Celebration. Each decoration represents a donation to the 2017 NGH Christmas Appeal. (JACOB ROBINSON/Simcoe Reformer)

The Tree of Celebration that sits outside the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation office is in need of decorations.

Each ornament represents a donation made to the organization’s annual Christmas Appeal.

Each year, the foundation targets needed equipment that isn’t necessarily covered by government funding. The 2017 “wish list” includes two electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, a portable bronchoscope, a glidescope, four crash carts and a syringe infusion pump. The total will run an estimated $65,000.

Each piece is vital to the hospital, said NGH communication specialist Gerry Hamill.

“I think one of the obvious things is the ECG machines that we need to purchase,” said, noting that many people have either had the unit used on themselves or know someone who has.

“But the other things are things you never think of – a glidescope or a bronchoscope – they’re lifesaving pieces of equipment. Even the crash carts, they’re $2,500 apiece. These are drawers on wheels that hold a variety of small items and medications and can be wheeled to where they’re needed very quickly.”

The list of items varies from year to year but Hamill said the foundation looks to keep the funding goal as realistic as possible, especially with the $13-million NGH Building a Better Hospital campaign in full swing.

“The community has been very generous to the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation – people recognize our hospital as being part of the fabric of our community,” Hamill said. “Besides being one of the big employers in the community, it’s great to have health care right here close to home.”

The Tree of Celebration might look plain now but it won’t be long until its bursting with colour. Seeing ornaments added throughout the next several weeks gives everyone in the building a boost, Hamill said.

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“When they walk by and see the support from the community, that’s heart-warming and that’s what Christmas is.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can log onto ngh.on.ca/norfolk-general-hospital-foundation.html or call 519-426-0130.